Universal/Island of Adventure for 1 day, WWYD?

[WeLoveLilo05]

We are currently planning out Aug DIsney trip, we'll be staying for 8 days (well 7, last day is really travel day), and it will be 11 of us. My aunt, uncle, and their 3 boys (2, 6, 8), me, fiance, and DD (5), and my mom, dad and sis (19). My aunt and uncle are planning on taking their 3 kiddos to US and IoA one day during our trip, my dad and sis will go, my mom is unsure. I am on the fence about the 3 of us going. Last time I Was there was shortly after IoA opened. Here's my reasons and questions what do you think?

First being the price, for both parks it would be an extra $300+ for the 3 of us, which isn't bad, but we've already spent $2000 on our trip. Any discounts I could get? And the park closes @ 7pm the day we are thinking of going. How much is parking?

Second, IDK if DD would really enjoy it. SHe knows Spongebob , Dora, Diego, but do they really walk around that much? She doesn't know ET, isn't a big fan of Dr. Suess or woody wood pecker, she likes the simpsons but IDK if she'd be able to go on that ride. so not sure if she'll really enjoy it. Is there a lot for her to do? I am NOT against US/IoA, but think she'd really enjoy it if we waited til she was a little older. BUT, there's more coasters there right? Which I think DF would really enjoy.

How is dining with allergies there? DD has peanut allergies.

What will the crowds be like Aug 25th there? Wait times? Are there any rehabs/closures going on?

Can you really do both parks in 1 day?

Thanks! Help me make a decision!

 

[Metro West]

First being the price, for both parks it would be an extra $300+ for the 3 of us, which isn't bad, but we've already spent $2000 on our trip. Any discounts I could get? And the park closes @ 7pm the day we are thinking of going. How much is parking?

Second, IDK if DD would really enjoy it. SHe knows Spongebob , Dora, Diego, but do they really walk around that much? She doesn't know ET, isn't a big fan of Dr. Suess or woody wood pecker, she likes the simpsons but IDK if she'd be able to go on that ride. so not sure if she'll really enjoy it. Is there a lot for her to do? I am NOT against US/IoA, but think she'd really enjoy it if we waited til she was a little older. BUT, there's more coasters there right? Which I think DF would really enjoy.

How is dining with allergies there? DD has peanut allergies.

What will the crowds be like Aug 25th there? Wait times? Are there any rehabs/closures going on?

Can you really do both parks in 1 day?

Thanks! Help me make a decision!

Here are my responses:

The only discounts I know of are AAA and AP discounts and regular parking is $14.00.

Your daughter might like the parks. At the Studios...she could do ET (even though she doesn't know), Animal Actors show, Barney and Curious George areas. At IOA...Seuss Landing is still fun but if she doesn't like that then she could spend some time in the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Camp Jurassic as well as Me Ship, The Olive.

You shouldn't have any problems with food allergies. Just let them know when you order.

The crowds shouldn't be quite as bad as now since lots of schools start that week but it will still be crowded. I would guess wait times would probably be in the 15-90 minute range with the water rides and coasters having the longest waits. There are no rehabs that I know of right now.

Doing both parks in a single day is a challenge unless you are willing to skip attractions. I would recommend looking at the map on the website and see what everyone likes and then make your decision as to which park you want to concentrate on.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.